people have to ask themselves, is the reason governor romney is keeping all these plans to replace secret because they're too good? >> what we're seeing right now in my view is a trickle-down government approach which thinks that government can do a better job than free people pursuing their dreams. >> it's thursday, october 4th, and "starting point" begins right now. >> good morning! welcome, everybody. our starting point this morning is the morning after debate night in america. both candidates are on the campaign trail today, again, after the first of three presidential debates, the first one, of course, in denver last night. president obama and mitt romney going toe to toe on critical issues, like the economy and health care. and by most accounts, it was mitt romney who emerged the victor. lots of debate analysis ahead on "starting point." we'll be talking live with john mccain of arizona and rand paul of kentucky. from team obama, we'll be speaking with martin o'malley and campaign spokeswoman, jen psaki. plus, obama's former economic adviser, austan goolsbee. first, though, a look a